Night view of a tall, multi-story building decorated with banners and flags, with lit windows and lights illuminating the structure.

October Revolution

The defeat of ISIS in 2017 marked a turning point for Iraq, ushering in a period of stability previously unseen in the country. Baghdad, the capital, experienced a notable calm, with many residents remarking that the city hadn't been as peaceful in three decades. This newfound tranquility was particularly empowering for young Iraqis, who relished a sense of freedom long absent. The cultural scene flourished with vibrant art exhibitions, new cafes, and restaurants, adding to the lively atmosphere.

However, amidst these positive developments, significant challenges persisted. Corruption, high unemployment, political sectarianism, and inadequate public services continued to plague the nation. Foreign interventionism further complicated matters. Protests erupted initially in the southern and central provinces before spreading to Baghdad, where demonstrators occupied the central Tahrir Square.

By late October, the demonstrations reached a crescendo, with protestors not only demanding comprehensive governmental reform but also vehemently opposing Iranian influence, particularly Iranian-aligned Shia militias. In response, the government, supported by Iranian-backed militias, resorted to brutal tactics, employing live ammunition, sharpshooters, water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas against the protestors, resulting in numerous casualties.

A widely used slogan in this phase of the protests was: “nurid watan"/we want a homeland"—reflecting a longing both for a sense of unity and for a self-determined life in dignity.

Nighttime photo of a tall building with multiple floors, decorated with banners and flags, and illuminated signs in Arabic.
A man with a beard smiling and raising his hand, making a peace sign, surrounded by a crowd of people, some taking photos, with flags and a sunset sky in the background.
A man wearing a yellow helmet and black shirt throws an object in front of a crowd gathered on a hillside, with makeshift structures and debris on the ground, and a building in the background.
Group of protesters at a demonstration, some wearing face masks, holding flags and a coffin draped with a flag, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
Group of people carrying a person injured or injured in a street with debris and closed shops, some wearing helmets and masks, in an urban area.
A person wearing a red hoodie helping another person sitting on the ground during a dark night in an urban area.
Medical personnel administering oxygen to a patient surrounded by caregivers, all wearing masks and gloves.
People sitting on the riverbank at dusk with smoke rising from buildings in the background.
A group of men working together to carry a large object during what appears to be a nighttime rescue effort or protest.
People in a crowd carrying flags and holding a large object, with some wearing masks and helmets, in an outdoor urban setting during daytime.
Silhouettes of construction workers working on scaffolding during sunset with a river and city skyline in the background.
Nighttime scene of a crowded public square with many people, streetlights, and vendors, with a large banner displaying silhouettes of people dancing and playing musical instruments, and green spotlights illuminating parts of the area.